Toronto and Saskatoon, Sask. – June 24, 2019 – UFCW Canada activists from across Ontario and Saskatchewan proudly celebrated equality, diversity, and inclusion at Pride Parades in Toronto and Saskatoon this past weekend.

In Toronto, hundreds of thousands of members from the LGBTQI2S community and allies lined Yonge Street on June 23 for one of North America’s largest Pride parades. The annual parade is the culmination of numerous festivities over the month of June – Pride Month in Ontario’s capital.

Once again, UFCW blue and gold were on display as activists and Pride Committees from UFCW Locals 175 & 633, Local 1006A, Local 12R24, and the UFCW Canada National Office, as well as members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, joined parade participants by marching in solidarity with the LGBTQI2S community, waving UFCW and First Nations flags, and handing out Pride gear to parade-goers. Throughout the celebration, which took place on Dish with One Spoon territory, UFCW activists operated a special community outreach booth in the city’s Gay Village. Our union also took part in the Trans and Dyke Marches leading up to the parade, and participated in an interview discussing LGBTQ12S issues on the popular YouTube channel, Str8 Talk.

In Saskatoon, activists from UFCW Local 1400, Local 649, and Local 248P marched on June 23 for the city’s 19th Annual Saskatoon Pride Parade. The parade was a culmination of ten days of events celebrating Saskatoon’s LGBTQI2S community, which included a “Pride at the Market” event featuring colourful goods, coffee, and live entertainment at the Saskatoon Farmers Market.

Throughout the year, UFCW Canada plays a leading role in advocating for full equality and opportunity for members of the LGBTQI2S community. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, our union has partnered with numerous organizations to develop resources aimed at promoting inclusion in the workplace. To learn more about UFCW Canada’s advocacy within the LGBTQI2S community, click here. And to see a full list of Pride events for 2019, click here.